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Keeping Your Home Secured: Ways to Prevent Break-Ins and Theft
Home security should be a top priority nowadays. And you can reach it by implementing easy safety measures.
Moving into a new home can be exciting, but taking safety measures to keep it secured and getting started with a home security system or device can feel a little daunting. The good news is that there are now plenty of budget-friendly home security options, from DIY monitoring to smart locks and possible monitoring by the security company.
But even as interest rates drop, FBI data shows that thefts happen roughly every 30 seconds in the U.S. Keeping your family and belongings safe is a top priority. To help you create your home security checklist, we’ve put together a simple guide with 10 of the best, easiest, and most affordable steps you can take to protect your home and keep potential intruders from breaking in.
Go through our Home Security Guide
1. Use a home security system
The first thing first for the proper home security is using an alarm system carefully picked by the installer.
Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to keep intruders out and alert you when a break-in occurs. Homes without security systems are about three times as likely to be broken into, the data shows. If an intruder finds a security camera or a sign indicating you have a security system, chances are they’ll move on.
Home security cameras are a great option for adding another layer of home security. Security cameras alert you when there’s movement in your yard or porch, and door and window sensors notify you when someone enters or tries to enter your home. Depending on your security company, they may also notify law enforcement on your behalf.
The security system also doesn’t have to break the bank. In addition to standalone devices, there are plenty of affordable security cameras and great DIY security systems that you can install yourself on a budget.
But not only security systems have to be installed. For complex house safety, you better follow basic but not the obvious tools below.
2. Secure your doors and windows properly
Locking doors and windows are the first and easiest line of defense against intruders, but how many of us do it consistently and properly? Burglars often look for easy targets, and unlocked doors and windows are just that. Even if you’re at home, it’s best to keep it locked down. When you leave the house, double-check the doors and windows on the first and last floor to make sure that they are secure.
Some devices can also help you keep track of your typing. Door and window sensors can track whether doors and windows are open, and smart locks can be scheduled to lock automatically at specific times. This brings us to the next trick.
3. Think about your hide-a-key
If you have a key to your house under a rug on the porch or in a flower pot reconsider its location. Intruders know these popular hiding places for spare keys and are the first places they look. Consider giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead. If you must have a spare key outside your home look for a more secure option. A hidden combination lockbox – or at least a discreet one in an unexpected location away from your gate. A little extra care and attention can go a long way in keeping your home safe.
4. Keep your valuable stuff hidden
Some robbers anticipate potential targets and may raid homes where they can grab valuables. It is, therefore, best not to place expensive items where they can be easily seen by uninvited guests passing by. For example, don`t leave tools or expensive bicycles outside lock garage doors, and don`t leave expensive electronic wallets jewelry money and, other valuables in front of open windows. You may also consider installing curtains such as curtains or blinds to ward off prying eyes.
5. Lock your garage
People put a lot of effort into securing their homes but often forget about their garages. Unfortunately, this may be the easiest way to get to your home. First, make sure all regular garage doors and windows are closed. So consider leaving your garage door open at home instead of in your car where someone could steal it. Finally, you should also keep the interior door of your house closed from the garage. That way if someone breaks into your garage they can’t get into your house. As with any door lock purchasing a refurbished smart garage door opener is an option. This device allows you to check the status of your garage when you go to check on it remotely and schedule it to close at certain times.
6. Installing a safe might be a good option
In a perfect world, hackers would never be able to get into your home thus you don`t have to worry about stealing your valuables. Unfortunately even the best-laid plans can go astray. And if an intruder breaks into your home you want to make sure they can steal as little as possible. First, consider buying a safe or a safe box where you can store cash jewelry important documents, and the like. Other things you don`t want to keep away from thieves. For larger items like electronics, you can make them more difficult to steal by keeping them hidden when not in use. Thieves want to get in and out of your home as quickly as possible so even a little deterrent can help.
7. Use reliable door locks
A smart water sensor can communicate with its user’s phone or any other mobile device in several ways. Some sensors are connected only via Bluetooth, which means you must be within range of the device (typically 40 feet or so) to receive alerts and silence alarms. If the user wants to receive alerts and control the sensor while being away from home, he has to make sure that the device has a Wi-Fi radio or is part of a connected home automation system.
8. Install outdoor lighting (with a movement detector)
Burglars don`t want to feel exposed when they break into your home so outdoor lighting can help. These crimes are often opportunistic so outside light encourages intruder movement. Instead of keeping your outdoor lights on all the time consider investing in motion-sensor lights that illuminate your yard when motion is detected. The light will catch intruders and scare them away. And if you want to take it a step further there are plenty of outdoor security cameras on the market. Upgrading your video surveillance system from high-end his devices to affordable options can help keep your loved ones and your property as safe as possible.
9. Trick them into thinking that someone is home
Most burglars don`t want to break into your home while you’re there. They want to find an empty house and move out quickly. So one of the best ways to avoid crossing it is to make it look like someone is always home. This includes turning on indoor lights or the TV while working. Make sure your neighbors or family members receive mail when you are away for long periods of time. They can make light. Even more effective: Multiple programs can be programmed to turn on and off to pretend someone is home.
10. Deter theft on your front porch
It’s crucial to keep in mind that home security includes your front porch, which means you must safeguard your delivered gifts from porch pirates. Every year, millions of shipments are delivered in the US alone, particularly during the holiday season. Many of these packages are left unattended for hours, which attracts burglars. According to recent research, 43% of respondents said they had a package stolen in 2020, up from 36% in 2019.
There are various ways to keep your belongings secure in light of the increase in porch piracy, including purchasing a porch lock box or a mailbox sensor, a little gadget that attaches to your mailbox and alerts you when it is accessed. A signature upon delivery is another option you have if you want to stop your items from being stolen.
To sum up
Nobody wants to experience a home invasion. By putting the advice on this checklist into practice, you may deter and stop burglars while also protecting your family and possessions. Starting small will allow you to concentrate on only a few items from this list. You can proceed to the next tasks on the checklist after you’ve completed those. Your home and loved ones will be safer thanks to every little change you make.